Scripture:
“I cry aloud to God—aloud to God and He will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my hand is stretched out without wearying…my soul REFUSES to be comforted.
When I remember God…I moan. When I meditate…my spirit faints.
I said: ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart. Then…my spirit made a diligent search…
Will the Lord spurn forever? And never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?’” (Ps 77:1-3, 6-9)
Observation:
The Psalmist complains a lot, quite a lot. Point is: his complaint is ours whether we know it or not…and…if it is not happening within is that indicative of the condition known has “hardness of heart?”
Application:
Draaaamaaa! Drama! Mucho drama.
In reality this is the kind of heart to have. What I am reading here is not a lack of faith but transparency into a normal God-fearing life.
I am aligned with the Psalmist’s cry. Aligned—such a modern word. Aligned means to bring or come into correct position; to declare support; bring my ragged bones into line with the thought or sentiment being portrayed.
I know I have felt what the Psalmist is saying—I was just quiet about it. I know I didn’t give it the time it took to read Ps 76 and 77 much less the time to write what I just wrote. I gave it a flit of a thought, nothing more.
So…using the above scripture as a benchmark, I think I see what I am…deficient.
But realizing I am deficient is not a bad thing unless I am poking around looking to be self-righteous. Being candid and transparent about my deficiency is looking for the Grace of God in my life.
Therefore, where the rubber meets the road: How do I cultivate longing for God? I don’t want to moan “Where is God? Why has He disappeared?” and not know the answer.
God is sovereign and He will do what He wants. But me? I live by the Word of God alone until That Day where Sight replaces Faith.
So, the everyday answer is: Long for the supremacy of the Word of God. Immerse myself in the Jewel of the Gospel. Let my eyes be filled with Your Wonder—when I get up, take a shower, drive in traffic, work, work, work, etc. Shout. Sing. Pray. Whisper. He hears…
There is no place He cannot be found.
Prayer:
O God of all Wonders, hallowed and majestic is Your Name—forever and forever. Hear my clumsy prayer O Lord, draw me near. AMEN.